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What Is 18 Wheeler Law? 18 wheeler law protects against accidents which involve commercial truck drivers as well as their rigs. These huge vehicles are subject to strict federal guidelines regarding maintenance, safety, and training. Unfortunately, trucking companies frequently pressure their drivers to work longer hours and alter log books. This can lead to devastating trucking accidents. Weight Regulations Knowing the weight limits for semi-trucks is crucial. Weight limits for single axles and group axles are set by the majority of states. It is common to see weigh stations on interstates where drivers are weighed in order to confirm that they do not exceed the maximum limits for their vehicle and load. If a trucker is found violating these limits they could face fines and even sentenced to jail subject to their criminal history and the state. Axle groups are given an increased limit because spreading the weight across more axles increases the safety of the vehicle and allows for more cargo to be carried. For instance one tire on an axle can only be weighed at 650 pounds per inch of wheel diameter, but when there are two tires on that same axle it could be weighed at 1300 pounds per tire. There are limitations on the kinds of trailers that can be used with a tractor. Some states will only allow one trailer, and others only permit twin or triple trailers. Some states also require a fifth wheel on the trailer that is a plate that sits above the drive wheels and connects (hooks up) the trailer with the tractor unit. Day cab and night cab tractors as well as sleeper cabs are available. They all have an area for sleeping inside the tractor unit. Lane Restrictions Truck drivers must adhere to traffic rules and speed limits in addition to the lane limitations. Trucks are not able to drive at the same speed as cars, and should they do, they can cause accidents. In many instances the truck driver is the primary culprit in these accidents. This is due to truck drivers being able to drive longer than they are allowed to, break hours-of-service rules, or become tired or distracted behind the vehicle. Another important restriction on lane usage is that truck drivers aren't allowed to drive in the left or right. This is due to the fact that it takes much longer for trucks to stop than cars. This could be a dangerous situation, particularly for smaller vehicles that could be stuck behind trucks when they suddenly slow down or stop. Certain states prohibit the use of lanes under certain circumstances, and some restrict it for large trucks. These laws could be based on weight or axel limit. In other cases, they could be solely based on vehicle's description. Even if there's no statewide law it is important to check local rules on lane restrictions and follow the rules. You should also shift to the right when you notice trucks blocking the lane. Ownership Companies operating 18 wheelers and trucking have a wealth of resources available to force victims of accidents to accept less than they should. They have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers who work on their behalf before they even know if the accident victim will pursue legal action. In accidents 18-wheelers are frequently responsible for a plethora of injuries and property damage because they carry such hefty loads and are so large compared to passenger vehicles. This is especially relevant when they collide with other motor vehicles. It is essential to find an attorney with experience fighting for your rights against these large, powerful corporations. Large truck accidents require a deep understanding of concepts in the fields of biology, chemistry and physics, federal trucking regulations, medical standards, and driving. 18 wheeler accident case las cruces are able to discover any infringements of these laws, and present to the jury the circumstances that led to your accident. 18-wheeler truck crashes are typically caused by the negligence or reckless actions of several parties. Our NY 18-wheeler accident lawyer will investigate the parties at fault and ensure that they are held accountable for your current and anticipated costs. This includes trucking firms as well as owners, maintenance contractors and even drivers themselves. Our team will also look into the weather conditions that could have contributed to the accident. Insurance The trucking industry has a wealth of resources available to them and can quickly send teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters engineers, engineers, and experts to develop a strategy for defense against the victims of accidents. They start this process even before they know if you'll be seeking legal recourse. It is important to retain an attorney who is capable of matching their resources and reducing them in size. An experienced 18 wheeler crash lawyer will take the burden of dealing with these big corporations off your hands and focus on getting you the compensation you're due. The money could be used to pay for expenses such as medical bills that are costly and vehicle damage, as well as lost wages due to missing work, and non-economic injuries like pain and suffering. 18-wheelers are complex vehicles that require a high-level, structured maintenance to keep them on the road. Failure to do this maintenance and maintain accurate records could result in disastrous accidents. Tractor-trailers typically carry dangerous materials, which requires special training and specialized certification to transport. The material is flammable, explosive, radiological or poisonous, and all of these pose significant risks for other drivers on American roads. An accident that is catastrophic could occur if the cargo is not properly labeled and secured. A competent 18-wheeler accident attorney can determine the cause of the accident and pinpoint any parties that may be responsible. These could include the driver of the truck or the trucking company the owner of the trailer, and the manufacturer of the truck or its components. This is called vicarious responsibility.